We all want to discover the fountain of youth or be given a quick fix pill taken every day that reverses the ageing process.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, the truth hurts, but there is only one sure way to maintaining youth and that’s a healthy lifestyle, positive mind set, tons of will power and more important than all; Desire.

At 64 I think I look good for my age and have always believed that self-confidence is the key and not caring about what others think about you because in reality what difference does it make what anybody else thinks and how do you know what anyone else is thinking anyway.

My top tips have all been tried and tested by me over a long period of time. I am living proof that we are what we eat, we are what we think and we are what we do. Brace yourself because to look and feel amazing over 40 is not going to be easy but I can promise you, if you are brave enough to stay the course the results will have you looking more like Cindy Crawford and less like the wielder beast.

I do not drink alcohol, eat meat or have sex, I have been celibate for almost 20 years now and don’t miss it. I religiously walk for 30 minutes every day and meditate every night before I go to sleep. I try to eat one avocado a day and usually for breakfast. "Yuk!" I can hear you thinking but before you dismiss this try my secret protein recipe below,

1.       Cut open one avocado, remove the stone, break in an egg. (written before I tried maintaining a vegan diet)

2.       Bake in the oven for a filling protein meal that keeps you full for hours.

I try and stick to around 2000 calories per day of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, brown bread and dark cocoa chocolate every now and again. Of course no one is perfect and I don’t deny myself the odd indulgence now and again because the truth is, if you are exercising and you are mindful of what you are putting in your mouth, treats and sweets can be enjoyed from time to time.

Pasta is my downfall so instead of eating pasta spaghetti which is high in calories I make thin  pancakes instead and then cut them into long strips like tagliatelle, pouring sauce on the top. This is a carb free meal with fewer calories.

We are what we eat so the cleaner the food the happier the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and skin you will have, all of which need to be in perfect working order to keep you alive, young and vibrant. I try to drink at least a litre of water every day without fail flushing out unwanted toxins. A handful of blackberries which are high in anti-oxidants has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease.

I run an ice cube over my face every morning without fail as the freezing cold water gives my facial muscles a daily workout lifting and toning. I have been doing this now for 10 years and it is free plus more effective than Botox or fillers.

Beauty and looking good is all about being happy inside because when we are happy we radiate to others and of course doing the work is critical. A stylish chic wardrobe can really help you when wanting to look younger. I buy much of my fashion from charity shops in wealthy areas like St John’s Wood, London where rich women’s trash becomes my treasure. Looking good by doing good, recycling or swapping clothes means even those with little money can also look amazing too.

Being over 50 does not mean having to become fat, frumpy and forgotten or mutton dressed as lamb. A happy, healthy, positive mind-set, desire and will power is the truth behind maintaining youth.